Luxury Coastal Living Redefined – A Waterfront Sanctuary on Sanibel Island Where the wide bay meets the deep canal, this extraordinary residence delivers a lifestyle that feels more like living aboard a private yacht than a traditional home. Surrounded by water on both the front and back, with sweeping views of the bay to one side and one of Sanibel’s widest, deepest sailboat-access canals to the other, this home offers an unrivaled island experience. A lush expanse of protected mangrove tidal marshland wraps the property, ensuring privacy and a true sense of coastal seclusion. A Boater’s Dream. A Designer’s Vision. Positioned on a direct-access canal with no bridges—ideal for sailboats and large vessels—this property sits in one of the most coveted locations for serious boaters. Designed with a reverse floor plan to elevate your views where they matter most, every space feels intentional and luxurious. High above it all, 2-story ceilings with clerestory windows flood the interiors with light, while wraparound lanais and expansive outdoor decks on every level invite you to watch dolphins cruise the canal or pelicans dive into the bay. Ultimate Entertaining Meets Yacht-Inspired Sophistication. The kitchen is a showpiece—crafted for entertaining and inspired by luxury marine design. Custom teak-front cabinetry, created by a designer for Tiara Yachts, sets the tone. SubZero refrigeration, freezer, and wine towers, dual Miele wall ovens and warming drawer, wet bar with wine fridge and standalone ice maker mean you’re fully equipped for any gathering, from sunset cocktails to seafood feasts. In the main living area, a sleek gas fireplace adds ambiance, featuring a motorized enclosure to discreetly hide the TV when not in use. Smart home features include a Lutron lighting system and Hunter Douglas automated window treatments throughout. A Primary Suite Like No Other The owner’s suite is a masterstroke of design, channeling the elegance of a multimillion-dollar yacht. An oversized double vanity is constructed using flawless granite slabs that also form the raised platform beneath the two-person Jacuzzi tub. A walk-through dressing area with bespoke teak cabinetry by the same Tiara yacht designer, balances form and function with nautical precision. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living On the east side of the home, a semi-covered pool provides the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water—whether basking in the sun or relaxing in the shade. And with a 47 kW whole-home generator powered by a buried 1,000-gallon propane tank, peace of mind comes built in. This is not just a home—it’s a coastal escape engineered for those who demand excellence, adventure, and tranquility in equal measure. Sanibel waterfront living at its peak. Welcome aboard.
For sale
$3,995,000
1581 San Carlos Bay Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
4beds
3,976sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1988
0.32 Acres Lot
$3,536,100 Zestimate®
$1,005/sqft
$6/mo HOA
What's special
Semi-covered poolDeep canalSleek gas fireplaceDirect-access canalProtected mangrove tidal marshlandExpansive outdoor decksLuxury marine design
- 75 days
- on Zillow |
- 409 |
- 9 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: May 21, 2025 at 05:35am
Listed by:
Jeff Burns 239-464-2984,
Premier Sotheby's Int'l Realty,
Tiffany Burns 239-464-2984,
Premier Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Source: Sanibel And Captiva Island AOR,MLS#: 2250653

Travel times
Tour with a buyer's agent
Tour with a buyer's agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4
- Full bathrooms: 3
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Rooms
- Room types: DR/LR Combo, Kitchen, Laundry, Workshop, See Remarks
Primary bedroom
- Features: Balcony, Walk-In Closet(s)
Primary bathroom
- Features: Dbl Sinks, Sep. Shower, Sep. Tub
Heating
- Central
Cooling
- Ceiling Fan(s), Central Air, Zoned 3+ Cooling
Appliances
- Included: Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Double Oven, Freezer, Microwave, Refrigerator, Ice Maker, Wine Cooler, See Remarks
- Laundry: Laundry Room, Sink
Features
- Bar, Breakfast Bar, Elevator Private, Pantry, Storage, Cathedral Ceiling(s), Elevator
- Flooring: Tile, Tavertine, Wood
- Doors: Sliding Doors, Impact Resistant Doors, Storm Protection Partial
- Windows: Casement, Impact Resistant Windows, Skylight(s), Storm Protection Partial, Window Cov-Some
- Has fireplace: No
- Fireplace features: Gas
Interior area
- Total structure area: 4,755
- Total interior livable area: 3,976 sqft
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Double Garage, Under Bldg
- Garage spaces: 2
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: Accessible Elevator Installed
Features
- Patio & porch: Open Porch, Screened
- Exterior features: Dock, Balcony
- Has private pool: Yes
- Pool features: In Ground, Caged, Electric Heat, Equipment Stays, Private
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Bay, Canal, Lawn/Garden, Sanctuary, See Remarks
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: Bay,Canal
- Waterfront features: Canal Salt, Navigable Water, No Bridge, Gulf Access, Canal, Bayfront
Lot
- Size: 0.32 Acres
- Features: Irregular Lot
Details
- Parcel number: 184623T40060A0310
- Other equipment: Generator
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Contemporary
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Const. Complete, Frame, Hard-l-Board, Stucco
- Foundation: Raised, Piling Wood
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- Year built: 1988
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: Sanibel Isles
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- HOA fee: $75 annually
- HOA phone: 440-759-3805
Location
- Region: Sanibel
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,005/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $2,525,395
- Annual tax amount: $34,909
- Date on market: 5/20/2025
- Listing terms: BTF/Cash
- Lease term: Month To Month
- Road surface type: Paved
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